Minister of State Akis Skertsos has responded in a social media post to opposition criticism that “the risk of digital addiction among minors should not be tackled solely through restrictions, but also through positive measures involving counselling, education and awareness-raising”.

He stressed that the answers lie in education, sport and mental health, outlining a series of measures the government has introduced in each area, which he believes parents, children and opposition parties should be aware of.

“Digital literacy helps children protect themselves. Age restrictions also place responsibility on the platforms. Counselling supports families. Sport provides constructive outlets. This is the responsibility we all share: to protect children while expanding their opportunities to learn, create, participate in sport and enjoy better lives,” Skertsos concluded in his post.

The Minister of State’s full post

“The risk of digital addiction among minors cannot be addressed through restrictions alone. Positive measures involving counselling, education and awareness-raising are also needed. What are you doing about these?” the opposition asks.

A fair point. There are concrete answers – in education, sport and mental health. Parents and children, above all, deserve to know about them. And, of course, so do the opposition parties.

In education, we are developing the skills children need in the digital world.

Skills Workshops and school activities cover topics such as safe internet use, personal data protection, misinformation and cyberbullying. Educational programmes include “Internet? Of Course – Safely!” for primary school pupils and “Behind the Screen” for secondary school students.

At the Onassis Public Schools, clubs such as “Think Before You Click” and “Children’s Rights and Digital Citizenship” have been introduced. At the 1st Model Junior High School of Mytilene, a Parents’ School has been operating for a third consecutive year, offering meetings and practical workshops.

At the same time, the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP) has developed teacher training programmes for preventing and tackling bullying, including cyberbullying.

The aim is for every child to be able to recognise risks, critically assess what they see, protect themselves and seek help. Parents and teachers must also have the tools they need to support them.

In sport, we are funding opportunities for physical activity, exercise, social interaction and participation.

In March 2026, €26.15 million was paid directly to 6,452 sports clubs across the country. In 2019, there was no equivalent mechanism for the direct, systematic funding of amateur sports clubs.

Total funding for amateur and professional sport through this permanent mechanism has increased to €80 million this year, compared with €66 million in 2025.

According to the e-Kouros platform, the total number of registered athletes in sports clubs stands at 452,961, an increase of 4.05% in 2026 compared with the previous year. Together with last year’s increase, this points to consistent growth in the country’s sporting population.

Furthermore, the data show that one in three children of lower secondary school age is registered with a sports club. We can certainly do better in this area, and we must.

At the same time, we are investing in upgrading sports facilities, including projects worth more than €133 million at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), energy-efficiency improvements at sports facilities throughout the country and new swimming pools from Chania to western Thessaloniki.

Through initiatives such as Kids Athletics, the BeActive school relay and the “Dimitrios Vikelas” Olympic and Paralympic Education Programme, we are introducing children to sport and its values.

Being part of a team, training and enjoying participation provide children with relationships, experiences and self-confidence. They need genuine opportunities to spend their free time constructively in their everyday lives.

In mental health and addiction, we are strengthening prevention and access to support.

The 1145 helpline provides information and support for all forms of addiction, while 10306 offers free, anonymous psychosocial support, including a dedicated service for children, adolescents and families.

At the same time, the National Organisation for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (EOPAE), with co-funding from the European Union, is developing the National Observatory for the Prevention and Early Intervention of Digital Addiction.

This is a nationwide initiative aimed at systematically monitoring and addressing issues such as online gaming addiction, problematic social media use and addiction to betting applications, with particular emphasis on adolescents and young adults.

Its planned activities include digital information and counselling services, support both in person and online, research, and educational interventions in schools, sports clubs and local communities.

Across Greece, 57 EOPAE facilities and services are already operating, providing prevention, information, counselling and addiction treatment. These include 23 multipurpose centres and specialised services for adolescents.

In addition, 75 Prevention Centres are operating, offering interventions to support the psychosocial health of children and adolescents.

EOPAE’s plans also include the establishment of 40 new addiction treatment services and facilities, 16 of which will be dedicated to adolescents and young adults.

Through the “Greece 2.0” programme, a broader initiative to establish 106 new mental health units is also being funded, addressing different needs and population groups.

Is all this enough? We still have work to do. We need broader coverage, better coordination and measurable results. Every family facing difficulties must know where to turn and be able to access meaningful support.

Positive empowerment and protective boundaries are complementary responsibilities of the state.

Digital literacy helps children protect themselves. Age restrictions also place responsibility on the platforms. Counselling supports families. Sport provides constructive outlets.

This is the responsibility we all share: to protect children while expanding their opportunities to learn, create, participate in sport and enjoy better lives.